Board in Puerto Montt, Chile, and begin your journey south through the fjords, channels, and islands of northern Patagonia, visiting regions like Puyuhuapi and San Rafael National Park. Cross the Gulf of Penas and explore coastal villages like Caleta Tortel, then cruise the dramatic Messier Channel and encounter massive glaciers in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Continue through the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego with chances to spot humpback whales, sea lions, and penguins. Navigate the scenic Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley, exploring Garibaldi Fjord amid stunning ice landscapes. Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.

Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation

Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 3 PM (15:00 hrs) and 4 PM (16:00 hrs). After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.

Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel

We continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As we cruise and explore the area, we see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.

Days 3: San Rafael National Park

Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile’s Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.

Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas

As we sail south, we cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells us about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini. We also learn about the region’s biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.

Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel

If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress, they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture. We continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here.

Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

We embark on a Zodiac excursion to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. We bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile’s natural mystique. As we sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.

Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego

While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, we explore the waters of the fjords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. We follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If we are lucky, we may be able to spot humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. We may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.

Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord

The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. We will sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord.

Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation

Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.

Note: the itinerary presented above is for reference. As for any expedition cruise, our route will be subject to weather conditions and the requirements of the Chilean authorities.

Inclusions

• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on Day 1.
• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, one night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast and a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
• One night at the Cabo de Hornos hotel in Punta Arenas or similar with breakfast on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica.
• For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, enjoy special access to Explorers House.
• Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers airport/hotel on the day of the scheduled return flight from Antarctica, and Antarctica21-exclusive group transfers hotel/airport on the last day of the air-cruise.
• Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• Ship cruise as indicated in the program corresponding to each voyage.
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
• Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
• Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
• Contingency Plan as described on page 39.
• IAATO passenger fee.

Exclusions

• Anything that is not specifically listed under the “Included in the Rate” section.
• Accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan corresponding to each voyage.
• Specifically, dinner in Punta Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
• Internet connection on board the ship.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
• Gratuities.
• Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

A deposit shall be paid to confirm a booking made 120 days prior to the departure date or earlier. The balance shall be paid no later than 120 days before the departure date. If a reservation is made less than 120 days prior to the departure date, the total cost of the tour is due at once